The master of a vessel is liable to third persons for the acts or negligence of persons employed in its navigation, whether appointed by him or not, to the same extent as the owner of the vessel; but neither the owner nor the master of a vessel is responsible for the negligence of a pilot whom he is bound by law to employ, unless an option is allowed between pilots, some of whom are competent, or unless he is required only to pay compensation to the pilot, but is not required to use his services.
Cal. Harb. & Nav. Code § 820
Ship Masters and Cargoes
Applied in 1 court decision — leading case 31 Cal. 3d 446 - Societa Per Azioni De Navigazione Italia v. City of Los Angeles (1982)
Most recently applied in 31 Cal. 3d 446 - Societa Per Azioni De Navigazione Italia v. City of Los Angeles (May 1982)
Enacted by Stats. 1937, Ch. 368.
Official source: California Legislative Information. Reproduced from public-domain California statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.